Scratch a little and we are all immigrants… Following its lauded Prague exhibit in August, Palbric Art Foundation presents the first North American stop of Do Not Pass By, featuring surreal, vintage film posters by Czech-Canadian artist Milos Reindl, along with their hidden messages of social criticism. The exposition will be held in the lobby of Complexe Guy-Favreau from June 21-July 13.

Art is the universal language we can all enjoy. Do Not Pass By is a timely celebration of diversity, multiculturalism and integration, intended to address the issue of immigrants and refugees in a way that will amuse, enlighten and educate, and in the process, reduce xenophobia. This initiative begins with Milos Reindl, a remarkable Czech-Canadian artist and onetime political refugee. From typical collages, to his bold paintings and masterful lines, Reindl contributed to the richness and diversity of Czechoslovak graphic art. Reindl called Montreal home in his later years and the Foundation is eager to share his early work with the city’s art lovers.

Showcasing some of his 30 vintage posters, the exhibition pairs Reindl’s art with accompanying text honouring milestone achievements by former refugees, and the positive impact these immigrants ultimately had on the countries that they now call home. The passages alongside each poster cover varied topics including food, music, funerals, architecture and beauty in a way that celebrates diversity and unites us.

The Palbric Art Foundation’s desire is to make the world a more hopeful and peaceful place, as expressed by former Montrealer, Palbric founder Michael Cukier, “This is the year of our new countrymen; Justin Trudeau set the tone when he welcomed the first 5,000 displaced people to Canada, not as refugees or immigrants, but as new Canadians. This is an excellent long term investment for any host country and the reason is simple: we are grateful to our hosts.”